Mixed results for Newark Hockey Club as they and South Nottingham get their 2023 campaigns underway

THE district hockey season got off to a great start over the new year as some games were bought forward to account for postponements due to previous bad weather.

A 6-0 belting from Belper was not the start the Newark men's 1st team had anticipated for 2023 but the side will be keen to move forward positively.

The South Nottingham men's 1st did not have a game but the club's 2nd team played a hotly contested game against Boots' 4th side.

South Nottingham ended up being beaten 3-5 with their goals coming from Finn Collins, Alex Cavan, and Robbie Humphris.

The Newark men's 2nd team managed a 3-3 draw against their Nottingham counterparts.

It was a good performance from the side who went from being 1-0 down after two minutes to establishing a two-goal lead as they went up 3-1.

A blip in concentration saw Nottingham reply with two fast goals to tie the game back up and at the final whistle, the scores were level.

A confident win by South Nottingham Men’s 3rds saw them defeat West Bridgford 5-1.

South Notts midfield maintained constant control allowing precise deliveries to get to their forward line.

Sam McNeil scored one for the side and captain Stuart Croston poached the rest as he led his side to victory.

The captain is leading by example as he takes his goal tally to 22 from just nine games.

The victory ensures that the team stays on top of its league.

The South Nottingham men's 4th side went down 5-2 to a strong-performing Mansfield side.

The goals from Cole Cadman and Paul Hollingworth were excellent as South Notts challenged but were unable to topple their opposition.

In the ladies, the South Nottingham 1st side defeated Boots 6-1 in a dominant showing.

Boots constantly attacked but were restricted to just one goal thanks to a staunch defence.

Beck Humprhis slotted two as Caroline Brackenbury, Emma Turner,

Gemma Robinson and Evie Bates also got onto the scoresheet.

The South Notts team remains undefeated as they solidify their position as league leaders with an impressive goal difference of 61.

A narrow loss against Beeston saw the Newark 1st team go down 4-3.

The team put in a strong performance but Beeston stole the result with a last-minute goal.

In soggy conditions, Bea Smith fired in both goals for the Newark Ladies' 2nd side who won 2-1 against Boots 4th team.